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River Taw search ends with missing Devon teen Taylor still not found

Devon and Cornwall Police
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River Taw search ends with missing Devon teen Taylor still not found

Extensive physical searches of the River Taw and surrounding estuary in Barnstaple have now been completed as 14-year-old Taylor Charlton remains missing.

A substantial investigation is ongoing to locate Taylor and to establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance on Friday 8 May.

This follows a sustained and focused search operation during the past week involving highly-trained and specialist teams.

A sonar-equipped boat and divers have been utilised to carry out further enquiries along the waterway today [Thursday 21 May]. 

Significant efforts have also included the use of drones, search dogs and the police helicopter. HM Coastguard has been consulted over current and tidal flows within the estuary.

Sadly, Taylor has not been located.

Detectives remain committed to a large-scale and active investigation.

Numerous officers are working to review information and CCTV and have carried out house-to-house, digital and witness enquiries. 

The last-confirmed sighting of Taylor was captured on CCTV in the Tesco Extra car park, in Station Road, at around 10.30pm on Friday 8 May. Footage shows him heading in the direction of the River Taw.

Taylor was reported as missing at around 5.15pm on Saturday 9 May.

Shoes believed to belong to Taylor were respectively found on the high tide line of the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington, around 480m apart, on consecutive days on 13 and 14 May.

While all lines of enquiry remain open, investigators believe that Taylor may have entered the water.

Sector Inspector Andy Wills said “We fully understand how difficult and upsetting this continues to be for Taylor’s family, friends, and the wider community.

“Our thoughts remain firmly with them. Taylor’s family continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained officers.

“The River Taw and its estuary present an extremely challenging environment to search, particularly given tidal conditions.

“Over the past week, a rigorous and methodical search of the area has been conducted with support from specialist resources and equipment and partner agencies.

“I want to reassure the public that our investigation remains very much active.

“Detectives continue to carry out extensive enquiries, review information, and carefully assess any new intelligence that comes to light.

“Our commitment to doing everything we can to provide clarity and to find answers for Taylor’s loved-ones will not stop.

“Further searches can and will take place if further information comes to light as part of continuing enquiries.

“We are very grateful for the support shown by the local community throughout this difficult time. It has been significant and deeply appreciated.

“We would continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem to them, to come forward and speak to us.”

If you have information that is urgent please phone 999, or in less pressing circumstances please consider using 101 quoting reference number 50260117084.

Beer lovers can hop aboard boozy steam train festival in Devon

Devon Today
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Beer lovers can hop aboard boozy steam train festival in Devon

The South Devon Railway is inviting visitors to swap the car for the train this May Bank Holiday as its popular Spring Rails & Ales event returns from 22nd to 25th May.

Running alongside the much-loved Staverton Beer Festival, the event offers a straightforward idea.

Travel by heritage steam train through the Dart Valley, step off at Staverton and spend time exploring a festival of ales, craft beers and ciders before catching a later service home.

Trains will run throughout the weekend from Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, giving visitors flexibility to plan their day without worrying about driving.

Free parking is available at Buckfastleigh, while Totnes Riverside station sits around a 450 metre walk from the mainline station with nearby bus connections.

The journey itself remains central to the experience. Passengers travel through one of Devon’s most scenic stretches of countryside, following the River Dart on board heritage steam and diesel services that reflect the character of the line.

At Staverton, the Devon Diesel Society’s award-winning bar will be serving a wide selection of beers and ciders, alongside hot and cold snacks, teas, coffees and soft drinks.

The festival is designed to be informal and accessible, with space to sit, talk and enjoy the surroundings.

Music will feature across the weekend, with a Sunday bingo night offering a more relaxed close to the event before the final return services.

Food and drink will also be available on selected trains, with on board buffet facilities complementing the festival offering.

“Spring Rails & Ales works because it is simple,” said Ernest Elsworth Wilson, General Manager at South Devon Railway.

“You can leave the car behind, travel through the valley by train and spend time at the festival without needing to rush. It is a social event as much as a railway one,” he added.

The event continues to attract visitors from across the region, combining heritage rail travel with Devon’s established brewing and cider making traditions.

Tickets and further details are available online.

• For full event details and to book tickets, visit www.southdevonrailway.co.uk 

Westward Ho! beach bags top awards for 23rd year running

Torridge District Council
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Westward Ho! beach bags top awards for 23rd year running

Westward Ho! beach has once again secured both the Blue Flag and Seaside Award for the 2026 summer season. This marks an outstanding 23 consecutive years of achieving Blue Flag status.

The Blue Flag is a globally recognised award given only to beaches with ‘excellent’ bathing water quality under the EU Bathing Water Directive. To retain the status, beaches must also meet a wide set of requirements, including providing environmental education, strong environmental management, high safety standards, and well-maintained visitor facilities.

Examples of key assessed areas include:

  • Clean, safe water which meets the highest classification standards
  • Effective beach management, including waste and habitat protection
  • Clear public information about the environment and water quality
  • Safety measures such as lifeguards, first aid provision and emergency planning

The Seaside Award also recognises beaches that meet important standards for cleanliness, safety and visitor experience.

Achieving these awards for over two decades is a testament to the ongoing dedication of the Northam Burrows Rangers and Torridge District Council officers as well as the strong community spirit that exists locally. Residents, volunteers and partners all play their part, working together throughout the year to protect the natural environment, support wildlife and help ensure visitors can enjoy the beach safely and responsibly.

From maintaining facilities and monitoring the coastline to engaging with visitors and delivering educational activities, the Northam Burrows Rangers play a vital role in upholding the high standards these awards recognise. Residents and visitors are encouraged to get involved in the wide range of activities and events they organise. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a beach clean, or taking part in family-friendly events, you can find upcoming opportunities at: www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrowsevents

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure at Torridge District Council, said: “Achieving Blue Flag status for 23 consecutive years is a significant milestone and reflects the long-term commitment to caring for our coastline. Thanks to this dedication, Westward Ho! is not only a beautiful place to visit, but also a clean, safe and well-managed beach that supports both the community and local businesses.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Torridge to have such a special coastal environment on our doorstep. Together with Northam Burrows, it forms part of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Protecting this landscape is vital, and we are proud to be flying the Blue Flag at Westward Ho! for the 23rd year running.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “England is fortunate to boast some of the world’s finest beaches, and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in the award to Westward Ho! signalling its high standards to all who visit or live nearby. “Everybody involved in these achievements should feel proud of their ongoing work to care for and enhance these important local blue spaces.”

Tree huggers unite as Devon County Show unveils woodland experience

Devon Today
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Tree huggers unite as Devon County Show unveils woodland experience

Devon County Show 2026 is joyfully embracing the natural world with its first‑ever Tree Hugging experience, set in the beautiful Woodlands Area of the Showground. Visitors will be invited to wrap their arms around an established Beech Tree — hand‑selected by Kenny Raybould, the Show’s very own Doctor of Tree Hugging, whose ability to “feel” the right tree makes him the perfect woodland matchmaker.

Guests can enjoy their moment of connection (a seven‑second hug is recommended for full effect), and those wanting a keepsake can have their photo taken between 12:00 and 13:00 on Saturday 23rd May, complete with hashtags to help spread the joy of reconnecting with nature.

Kenny said: “Tree hugging should feel good for people and for the tree. We’ll be putting simple protections in place — like soft matting to protect the tree’s roots — to make sure everyone, including the tree can enjoy the moment. It’s all about connection, care and leaving the tree as happy, if not happier, than we found it.”

Quirky, wholesome and quintessentially Devon County Show, this new feature invites visitors to slow down, breathe deeply and rediscover the simple pleasure of being close to nature.

HSBC’s historic High Street bank could get new entrance doors

Lewis Clarke
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HSBC’s historic High Street bank could get new entrance doors

A familiar bank frontage could be set for a small but significant change as plans are submitted to alter a historic town centre building.

HSBC’s branch at 10 High Street, Barnstaple, could have its principal entrance doors replaced under proposals submitted by Real Estate Services.

The application says the work would involve replacing the existing entrance doors on a “like-for-like basis”.

Planning documents say the bank is aiming to improve security and accessibility at the branch.

The building forms part of 9-12 High Street, a grade II listed property dating from around 1865 to 1875. It is also within Barnstaple Town Centre conservation area.

A heritage statement says the building has “significant” architectural and historical interest and occupies a prominent site in the High Street.

The proposed work would retain the existing timber-framed top lights, with new timber-coloured aluminium doors and frame installed below the first timber transom.

No internal works are proposed.

The design statement says the scale, layout, landscape treatment and access arrangements would remain unchanged.

Historic village pub faces new future as holiday stay under planning bid

Lewis Clarke
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Historic village pub faces new future as holiday stay under planning bid

A village pub could be calling last orders as plans are considered to turn it into holiday accommodation.

An application has been submitted to North Devon Council for The Castle Inn, at George Nympton, South Molton, Devon.

The proposal seeks a change of use from a public house to holiday accommodation. The application is currently pending.

The applicant is named as Ian Trott.

A letter from Christie & Co says The Castle Inn was first advertised on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at a price of £575,000. It says the site was advertised on Rightmove Commercial and Christie.com.

The letter adds that the price was reduced to £525,000 on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Ryan Bassett, business agent for pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, said: “Through out the last 12 months we have had 0 viewings and no real interested parties.”

North Devon Council’s heritage and conservation officer has commented on the application, saying no harm is expected to nearby heritage assets.

The officer said: “It does not appear that any changes are proposed to the elevations or the surroundings of the building, which stands close to various listed buildings in the village.

“Therefore I do not consider that this proposal will cause harm to the significance of the heritage assets through changes in their settings.”

Schoolchildren stunned as Downing Street responds to democracy project

Devon Today
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Schoolchildren stunned as Downing Street responds to democracy project

A group of Devon schoolchildren were left celebrating after receiving an official response from Downing Street following a class project exploring democracy and government decision-making.

Year 6 pupils at St Andrew’s CofE Academy in Buckland Monachorum wrote letters to government departments after learning how decisions are made in the UK as part of a classroom project earlier this year.

Children in Pendragon Class discussed issues they felt strongly about before sending thoughtful letters sharing their views and ideas with ministers. Topics included the future affordability of electric vehicles, improving accessibility on public transport for disabled people, animal welfare and the environmental impact of fast fashion.

The pupils later received replies from the Transport and Environment departments, as well as a formal response from Downing Street recognising the children’s work and engagement with national issues.

Debbie Nunn, headteacher at St Andrew’s CofE Academy, said: “This has been a truly exciting and meaningful experience for our Year 6 pupils.

“They showed great maturity in thinking about important issues and expressing their ideas clearly and thoughtfully.

“Receiving a response from Downing Street has helped bring their learning about democracy to life in a powerful and memorable way.”

Tracey Cleverly, trust lead at Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping children understand how democracy works and how their voices can make a difference.

“We are incredibly proud of the curiosity, engagement and enthusiasm shown by the pupils.

“Experiences such as this help inspire active, informed citizens of the future.”

The Learning Academy Partnership includes 18 schools across Cornwall, Devon and Torbay. St Andrew’s CofE Academy is rated Good by Ofsted.

Young sailors take to the water in hands-on Wind Project adventure

Devon Today
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Young sailors take to the water in hands-on Wind Project adventure

Pupils at a Devon primary school took to the water as part of a sailing project designed to build confidence and teamwork through outdoor learning.

Year 4 children from West Alvington CofE Academy joined instructors from Salcombe Dinghy Sailing Association for a hands-on session as part of the Wind Project, which gives young people practical experiences outside the classroom.

The pupils learned sailing techniques while developing their understanding of wind, water and navigation in real-world conditions. Staff said the children showed strong teamwork and concentration during the session as they learned how to handle dinghies on the water.

The activity formed part of the wider Wind Project, which aims to help children build confidence, independence and curiosity through outdoor education experiences.

Hannah Ruston, headteacher at West Alvington CofE Academy, said: “Our Year 4 pupils had an absolutely fantastic experience on the water.

“They showed great enthusiasm as they learned new sailing skills. Opportunities like this help children develop confidence, independence and a real sense of achievement.”

Tracey Cleverly, trust lead at the Learning Academy Partnership, said: “The Wind Project is a wonderful example of how outdoor learning can inspire and engage children in powerful ways.

“We are incredibly proud of the pupils for embracing this experience so positively, and grateful to Salcombe Dinghy Sailing for providing such a memorable and enriching opportunity.”

West Alvington CofE Academy is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, a trust made up of 18 schools across Cornwall, Devon and Torbay. The trust said its aim is to provide “Flourishing Futures” for children through exceptional education and community-focused learning opportunities.

More information about the school can be found at West Alvington CofE Academy and the trust at Learning Academy Partnership.

Family-run Devon childcare group expands with major new education hub

Aaron James
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Family-run Devon childcare group expands with major new education hub

Blue Elephant Childcare, a family-run residential childcare organisation based in Chivenor, North Devon, has marked an important new chapter in its journey with the official opening of its new Head Office and Education Engagement Hub, formally opened last week by local MP, Ian Roome.

Founded in 2017 by Keith and Chris Burley, Blue Elephant Childcare has grown significantly over the past nine years, evolving from a small family-run provider into a thriving organisation supporting children across North Devon and Somerset. Today, it operates 10 children’s homes, with a further two homes currently in development.

Keith Burley, Managing Director, explains, “The opening of the new Head Office and Education Engagement Hub reflects not just the physical growth of Blue Elephant Childcare, but our commitment to building sustainable, child-centred services deeply rooted within the local community.

“Blue Elephant Childcare was built on a clear ethos,’ continues Keith, ‘To provide safe, therapeutic and relationship-led care that places children at the heart of everything the organisation does. The team works tirelessly to support the safety, aspirations and personal growth of the young people in our care, many of whom have experienced trauma and disruption earlier in life. The growth of the organisation means we can support more children locally, allowing them to remain closer to their communities, schools, families and support networks, wherever possible.”

The new premises include expanded office space alongside an additional training room to support staff learning and development. An employee hangout and wellbeing area has also been created to encourage reflection, connection and support alongside improved meeting and collaboration facilities.

Alongside the Head Office, Blue Elephant unveiled its new Education Engagement Hub, which has been created to support children who may struggle within traditional education settings. Operations Director, Abi Milton adds, “The Hub offers a calm, welcoming and low-stimulation environment, recognising the impact trauma can have on learning, emotional regulation, and relationships. It provides a range of alternative and therapeutic education opportunities, including one-to-one and small group learning, outdoor education and life skills, emotional wellbeing and regulation support and creative, practical, and vocational activities. The Hub is designed to help children rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and, where appropriate, gradually return to mainstream education.”

As Blue Elephant Childcare continues to grow, so too does its workforce, which includes residential care staff, managers, education professionals, operational leaders and support teams working collaboratively to deliver trauma-informed, child-centred care. Ongoing investment in staff training, wellbeing initiatives and professional development remains central to the organisation’s commitment to providing stable homes and positive, long-term outcomes for children.

For more information on Blue Elephant and its current vacancies, please visit bluelephant.org.uk or email recruitment@bluelephant.org.uk

Five Devon beaches handed top awards ahead of summer rush

Teignbridge District Council
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Five Devon beaches handed top awards ahead of summer rush

Five beaches in Teignbridge have been recognised for their quality in the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2026.

Dawlish Warren achieved the highest award with the internationally recognised Blue Flag Award while Dawlish Town beach, Coryton Cove, Teignmouth and Ness Cove were all awarded the coveted Seaside Award.

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are designed to raise standards across England’s coastline and inland waters while shining a spotlight on the country’s top beaches. They inform the public about which beaches offer a safe, clean and well-managed space for them to enjoy.

Beaches are assessed on safety, sustainable tourism and environmental education. To achieve an award they must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria including:

  • Safety and services such as first aid and lifeguards, where necessary
  • Environmental information including displaying details about local ecosystems
  • Environmental management including litter and waste
  • Water quality: blue flag beaches must meet the ‘excellent’ water quality standard as set out in the EU Bathing Water Directive while Seaside Awards for designated bathing waters must meet, as a minimum, the ‘sufficient’ standard.

A Teignbridge District Council spokesperson said: “Achieving the Blue Flag Award for Dawlish Warren and the Seaside Awards for Coryton Cove, Dawlish Town, Ness Cove and Teignmouth reflect our commitment to maintaining clean, safe beaches that meet environmental and water quality standards. We hope that by flying these flags we will encourage residents and visitors to enjoy a day on the beach at our resorts.”

Blue Flag, the world’s most recognised award for beaches and marinas, is an environmental education programme managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “England is fortunate to boast some of the world’s finest beaches, and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in the awards to Teignmouth, Ness Cove, Coryton Cove, Dawlish and Dawlish Warren signalling its high standards to all who visit or live nearby.

“Everybody involved in these achievements should feel proud of their ongoing work to care for and enhance these important local blue spaces.” Teignbridge is very grateful to Dawlish Town Council, for funding the Blue Flag Award for Dawlish Warren and the Seaside Awards for Dawlish Town beach and Coryton Cove, Teignmouth Town Council, for funding the Seaside award for Teignmouth beach, and Shaldon Parish Council, for funding the Seaside award for the Ness beach.

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